Bryophytes

Green Algae & Plants are similar based on…

• Molecular Evidence

• Similar Chlorophylls and Pigments

• Starch Storage

• Cellulose in Cell Walls

Gametangia and Sporangia Overview (Gametophyte Dominant)

• ALL Bryophytes have Biflagellate sperm that need water for fertilization

• Gametangia Vocab:

  • Antheridium = Male

  • Archegonia = Female

    • Captrya: Thick layer in venter for embryo protection

• Sporangium Vocab

  • Foot: basal part in the Archegonium.

  • Seta (stalk): elevates the capsule.

  • Capsule (sporangium): houses spores

    • Peristome: teeth-like structures around the opening, regulates spore release when dry.

    • Operculum: Lid on the capsule that can detach to expose the peristome

Liverworts

*Basic level adaptations (5 traits)

Types of Liverworts

• Thallus - have pores analogous to stomata

• Leafy (not actually leaves)

Unicellular Rhizoid, Pores analogous to stomata and Scales to anchor

Gametophores - elevated structures that bear gametangia for easier fertilization by water

• Archegoniophores

• Antheridiophores

Porella - Leafy ex.

• NO Gametophores and Operculum

• Spore Dispersal: Sporangium breaks apart, uses elaters to spread spores

Asexual Reproduction

• Gemmae Cup dispersal with rain

Hornworts - horn-like sporophytes

*Basic level adaptations (5 traits), Stomata & Cuticle

• Nostoc + Hornworts: Mutual; Fixes N2 for shelter

• Only land plants that contain pyrenoids

  

Multiple Sporophytes in Bisexual Gametangia

Mosses

*Basic level adaptations (5 traits), Stomata & Cuticle, Hydroids & Leptoids, Axial Gametophytes

Have incomplete guard cells on stomata; Primitive “vasucular” tissue

• Class Bryidae (true mosses)

• Class Sphagnidae (peat mosses)

Sphagnidae (Peat moss)

• Contribute to carbon sink, Have Hydriods and Leptiods in seta